Disclaimers: I do not own these characters except for Jessica Weaver and
Other characters that you do not recognize. The others belong to J.K.R.
RWH
~~~
***
Twenty-Three
"A wizard? As in a magical being and wondrous powers?" Jessica sat in his lap, unwilling to be even an inch away from him, her eyes wide and mouth agape with surprise as he tried to explain everything to her.
Severus felt that she seemed to be taking the information very well considering the common closed mindedness of her people. Muggles may have loved the idea of magical properties but when they actually encountered his people, they ran like a scared rabbit. They may like the idea but the actual possibility scared them shitless. That is, besides the young lady sitting on his lap.
"Are you.. were you.. born with this ability or can it be learned?" She questioned softly. "Can I learn it?"
Severus held her close against his chest watching his left hand resting on her stomach in a protective gesture, covering their unborn child. Her hand rubbing circles on the top of his. It was an intimate gesture to sit so close and hold each other, but their fear over the last few weeks decided for them, that they needed to keep in close contact now. It was a necessary tactic for them to try to forget the fear from their forced separation.
"There are some muggles, what we call non-magic folks, that possess magical abilities but mostly it is contained in our world. If you have had some inkling of magical abilities it would have shown up by now, so I doubt that you would be able to learn it, Love, although our child has a very good probability of developing magical abilities because of who I am."
She gazed down at his hand on her abdomen with a small smile. "Our child will be a wizard?"
"Or a witch.. " He reminded her since it was too early to tell if it was a boy or a girl.
"I want a boy. I want to give you a son." She leaned back against him closing her eyes.
He smiled and kissed her forehead. "I will take whatever it is. As long as it is a part of you and me."
"Are there many of my people with magical abilities?" She questioned wanting to understand as much as she could.
"We try not to mix the magical and non-magical worlds. The combination is.. volatile." His words were silky and his voice wavered with deep emotion. "The two do not mix well and we try to stay out of your world as much as possible. Accidents do tend to happen when the two worlds collide."
"But you were in my world. Do you come through much?" She raised her eyes to his and gently lifted a hand to caress his cheek. He looked as exhausted as she felt.
He smiled down at her pressing his cheek against the smooth of her palm. "No, least not before I met you. Muggle London was never a favorite place for me. My being at your work that first day was completely accidental. I was doing some shopping in our world when my two 'acquaintances', drug me to your workplace. Of course, I couldn't stay away after that. You were in my blood by then."
"What.. " She took his hand in hers, and he frowned at the way she grasped him. Her blue eyes imploring up at him. "What about us? If we can't mix worlds what will happen to us? I can't lose you again. 'We' cant lose you."
He smiled down at her trying to reassure her best as he could. "I don't know. Not yet." He felt her breathing speed up and her heart rate increase she was near panicking. "There are some problems I have to deal with. Some important people I have to speak to." He pulled her even closer at the look on her face. Her eyes flashing with worry and fear. "Don't Jessica, don't panic, whatever happens, my Love, we will 'not' be separated. I won't allow that to happen. I can not live this life without you in it. You are my life now, you and our child."
Jessica felt her shaking die away and she finally took a deep cleansing breath. "I love you." She whispered softly and felt his arm tighten around her.
"I love you too." He declared standing up and setting her to her feet. "Now, I think you need to lie down and get some rest. These last couple of weeks has been very stressful for you and I don't want anything happening to the baby. I want you to get some rest. I'm going to send up an house elf with something for you to eat and then I want you to get some sleep."
"House elf?" She shook her head at another new image. This New World was going to take some getting used to, If she was allowed to stay in it that is. She shivered and brought her attention back to the man she loved who was still talking.
".. I have to go and talk to Albus, Love, regarding the little Malfoy problem we've picked up. Then I will be back.. I promise."
"Malfoy.. that.. evil blonde man?" She shivered at the memory of the blonde's cruel eyes.
"Yes, but don't you worry about him, you are safe here. He can't come here without an invite and I don't intend on inviting him in." He moved to rise and she clutched his hand in hers afraid of letting him go.
"Don't leave.. " Her voice pleaded with him.
"Its all right Jessica, you are with me now. You are safe. I will be back soon." He pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her softly before guiding her to his bedroom. She gasped at the richness of his chambers and didn't notice the smile on his face as he moved her to the bed and pulled down the crisp blood red sheets.
"Rest, I will have dinner sent down to you and I want to see you sleeping when I return. I shouldn't be gone long and we can talk more about the baby when you wake up." He whispered softly and kissed her once more helping her into the massive bed and pulled the duvet up to her shoulders..
"You won't be long?" She whispered tiredly already feeling the pull of sleep.
"Not too long.. rest.. " He waited until she nodded, and closed her eyes. He silently watched her until her breathing steadied, indicating sleep before he quietly slipped from the room, heading to Albus's office.
~~~
"Come in Severus." Albus nodded to the young man as he entered and swiftly took the seat before his desk. The elder man reached up, removed his glasses from his nose, and gave the other man a direct stare. "I assume you have something to tell me about this young woman I happened to find in my fire earlier?" His eyes narrowed slightly, "A muggle.. no less."
Severus's mouth twitched in his effort to control his anger. "Her name is Jessica Wheeler. I met her in London. She and I are.. "He paused before stating the obvious. "We are lovers."
Albus's eyes brightened at Severus's admission and he allowed himself a chuckle. "A bit more than mere lovers by the looks of it, my son. I thought I heard some thing about a child?"
"She is pregnant, Albus."
"Yours?"
"Of course!"
"No room for doubt?"
"None."
Albus nodded, secretly pleased by this turn of events. He had suspected that the surly professor had finally found someone, but he had no idea of whom, or what she was. He shook his head. A muggle, this could cause some problems for him in the future when news of his ladylove's identity leaked out. Albus's leant back into his chair steepling his fingers under his chin. "What are your intentions with this woman and child?"
"I 'intend' to marry her and raise my own child, Albus."
"In which world, Severus, by the looks of it, I don't think she is strong enough to live in our world, are you strong enough to live in hers?"
"I will do what I have to, Albus. I will not be without her, not again."
"I see." Albus frowned and leaned forward. "Perhaps she will surprise us all. Let's wait and see."
"Until then?"
"She may stay, for now. Until we decide what to do with her and the baby."
Severus clenched his teeth. "There is something else.. Malfoy knows about her."
"That makes things a bit more difficult. I take it he know about the baby as well?"
"Yes."
Albus leaned back into his chair again, not pleased with this turn of events. He could have kept it secret within these walls but if Malfoy Senior knew, then this could get much, much worse before it gets better. This was going to get tricky. "That may be a problem."
"That is an understatement if I ever heard one, Albus." Severus agreed. "He did give me an ultimatum, either rejoin with the newly reformed deatheaters, or risk Jessica and my child's life."
"What did you tell him?"
"I agreed, what else could I have done?"
The older man nodded in agreement, his eyes clouding over in thought. "You did what you had to, Severus. I wouldn't have expected anything else from you. We shall find a way to protect her and your child, Severus. As long as they are within these walls, no one can harm them."
"Thank you, Sir."
Severus seemed to sink more into the chair in relief, which caused the Headmaster to grin. It wasn't like he would willingly hand over the young man's love without a second thought. It took the young man way to many years to find someone to love and it wasn't up to him to take it away.
"Where did you leave Miss Wheeler?"
"She is sleeping in my quarters."
"Do you think that is wise?"
"I don't think I should be parted from her, Albus, She's been through a lot in the last few weeks."
Albus grinned inwardly yet he had to play the protector of the morality to the student body. "I'm thinking of the students, Severus."
"And I'm thinking of the health of the woman I love and my future child, Albus."
"Touché." Albus leaned forward with a smile. "However, be it as it may, I can not have a male teacher living with an unmarried woman, Severus. The students wouldn't understand nor will the governors. Which I believe that our Mr. Malfoy still sits on?" He leaned forward placing his palms flat down on the desk, his eyes narrowing with his grin. "Perhaps now would be a good time for that.. wedding?"
"So, you are now approving of our.. union?"
"I am approving of it yes, I just want to see you happy, my son, and if she is the one to do it, then I give you both my blessing. My only concern has been for your family's safety."
Severus rose from his chair. "Thank you, Albus. Your blessing means everything to me." His voice shook slightly with emotion, which the elder man caught.
"And your happiness means everything to me, Severus. You are as close to a son as I have came." He was pleased to see the smile that crossed the younger man's face, if even for a moment.
Severus seemed to think for a moment the quickly leaned forward and enveloped the elder man in an awkward hug before quickly moving back out of reach. "As far as I am concerned, you are my father."
Albus's eyes watered as the other man turned to the door.
"Blessed be, my son, and may the Gods smile on you and your new family."
"Blessed be, Albus, and thank you, for everything." With that, Severus walked out of the door leaving an emotional man behind the great wooden door.
Albus threw some powder into the fire and called out. "Minerva? Can you come to my office? There is a matter we have to discuss."
"Now? I'm quite busy at the moment." Came the female voice on the other side.
"It's about a wedding, my dear." He chuckled at the silence knowing her love of a good ceremony.
"I'll be right there." The other voice replied before disconnecting.
~~~
A/Ns and Acknowledgements:
Magdellin: Thanks hon.
Emma-Kitty: I told you that they would get together, it was just a matter of time. I'm glad that you liked the chapter.
Gemini Personality: Lucius, ugh! I had to use him, had to have a believable bad guy. And he's perfect.
AnnabelleElizabeth: thank you, I feel much better. Things will get a bit interesting now, please keep reading.
Allison-Nicole: Yep he does.
someone28: LOL, There is always something, isn't there?
J.S. Sumner: Severus will deal with Lucius in upcoming chapters don't worry about that. In this chapter, you see Dumbledore's reaction to the happy couple and I hope it is believable. I don't write Dumbledore to easily, I just can't get that twinkle going in his eyes. LOL. Filch and Jess? Ugh.no.I'm sure she will get a proper job within the school that will use her abilities. Perhaps a music teacher? 'Grins'
spaz141: LOL. I cant help the pregnancy thing. I am a 40-year-old motherless woman so I have to live vicariously through these characters. The idea of pregnancy intrigues me but the actual act terrifies me. Ugh! No thank you! Now, as for your screaming tendency. Woo hoo.means I'm doing my job. Thanks!
Sarah Sparrow: Aw, thank you so much. I love that I can make you feel that way. The revenge will be sweet and just.
Redsugg: I corrected that one, thanks for pointing it out. I appreciate it.and a new 'Secrets' is up.
Barrie: no donut? Not even for posting? 'sniff'
Talene: Will do, here you go!
Glinda Trisstt: LOL, I'm glad you are enjoying this fic. There are more interesting things upcoming, keep reading.
Aprilgrey: 'salaam back' You know, you really need to show me those steps. Thanks!
Seraphina: I didn't want a simple revelation. I wanted it to be a bit dramatic when he discovered her pregnancy. But as you can see, he's accepted it quite easily enough.
Kate: Severus will deal with Lucius in his own way. And it will be good. He wont allow his family to come to harm. Thank you.
Ladydeathfaerie: Evil? Me? Nahhhhhhhhh. I leave that up to you dearheart. Now, about discipline I think he should get a visit from your Hermione dominatrix. That would be perfect. LOL
~~~
Thank you all so much for your comments. They are very helpful. Please don't forget to review!
Blessed Be!
RWH
RWH
~~~
***
Twenty-Three
"A wizard? As in a magical being and wondrous powers?" Jessica sat in his lap, unwilling to be even an inch away from him, her eyes wide and mouth agape with surprise as he tried to explain everything to her.
Severus felt that she seemed to be taking the information very well considering the common closed mindedness of her people. Muggles may have loved the idea of magical properties but when they actually encountered his people, they ran like a scared rabbit. They may like the idea but the actual possibility scared them shitless. That is, besides the young lady sitting on his lap.
"Are you.. were you.. born with this ability or can it be learned?" She questioned softly. "Can I learn it?"
Severus held her close against his chest watching his left hand resting on her stomach in a protective gesture, covering their unborn child. Her hand rubbing circles on the top of his. It was an intimate gesture to sit so close and hold each other, but their fear over the last few weeks decided for them, that they needed to keep in close contact now. It was a necessary tactic for them to try to forget the fear from their forced separation.
"There are some muggles, what we call non-magic folks, that possess magical abilities but mostly it is contained in our world. If you have had some inkling of magical abilities it would have shown up by now, so I doubt that you would be able to learn it, Love, although our child has a very good probability of developing magical abilities because of who I am."
She gazed down at his hand on her abdomen with a small smile. "Our child will be a wizard?"
"Or a witch.. " He reminded her since it was too early to tell if it was a boy or a girl.
"I want a boy. I want to give you a son." She leaned back against him closing her eyes.
He smiled and kissed her forehead. "I will take whatever it is. As long as it is a part of you and me."
"Are there many of my people with magical abilities?" She questioned wanting to understand as much as she could.
"We try not to mix the magical and non-magical worlds. The combination is.. volatile." His words were silky and his voice wavered with deep emotion. "The two do not mix well and we try to stay out of your world as much as possible. Accidents do tend to happen when the two worlds collide."
"But you were in my world. Do you come through much?" She raised her eyes to his and gently lifted a hand to caress his cheek. He looked as exhausted as she felt.
He smiled down at her pressing his cheek against the smooth of her palm. "No, least not before I met you. Muggle London was never a favorite place for me. My being at your work that first day was completely accidental. I was doing some shopping in our world when my two 'acquaintances', drug me to your workplace. Of course, I couldn't stay away after that. You were in my blood by then."
"What.. " She took his hand in hers, and he frowned at the way she grasped him. Her blue eyes imploring up at him. "What about us? If we can't mix worlds what will happen to us? I can't lose you again. 'We' cant lose you."
He smiled down at her trying to reassure her best as he could. "I don't know. Not yet." He felt her breathing speed up and her heart rate increase she was near panicking. "There are some problems I have to deal with. Some important people I have to speak to." He pulled her even closer at the look on her face. Her eyes flashing with worry and fear. "Don't Jessica, don't panic, whatever happens, my Love, we will 'not' be separated. I won't allow that to happen. I can not live this life without you in it. You are my life now, you and our child."
Jessica felt her shaking die away and she finally took a deep cleansing breath. "I love you." She whispered softly and felt his arm tighten around her.
"I love you too." He declared standing up and setting her to her feet. "Now, I think you need to lie down and get some rest. These last couple of weeks has been very stressful for you and I don't want anything happening to the baby. I want you to get some rest. I'm going to send up an house elf with something for you to eat and then I want you to get some sleep."
"House elf?" She shook her head at another new image. This New World was going to take some getting used to, If she was allowed to stay in it that is. She shivered and brought her attention back to the man she loved who was still talking.
".. I have to go and talk to Albus, Love, regarding the little Malfoy problem we've picked up. Then I will be back.. I promise."
"Malfoy.. that.. evil blonde man?" She shivered at the memory of the blonde's cruel eyes.
"Yes, but don't you worry about him, you are safe here. He can't come here without an invite and I don't intend on inviting him in." He moved to rise and she clutched his hand in hers afraid of letting him go.
"Don't leave.. " Her voice pleaded with him.
"Its all right Jessica, you are with me now. You are safe. I will be back soon." He pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her softly before guiding her to his bedroom. She gasped at the richness of his chambers and didn't notice the smile on his face as he moved her to the bed and pulled down the crisp blood red sheets.
"Rest, I will have dinner sent down to you and I want to see you sleeping when I return. I shouldn't be gone long and we can talk more about the baby when you wake up." He whispered softly and kissed her once more helping her into the massive bed and pulled the duvet up to her shoulders..
"You won't be long?" She whispered tiredly already feeling the pull of sleep.
"Not too long.. rest.. " He waited until she nodded, and closed her eyes. He silently watched her until her breathing steadied, indicating sleep before he quietly slipped from the room, heading to Albus's office.
~~~
"Come in Severus." Albus nodded to the young man as he entered and swiftly took the seat before his desk. The elder man reached up, removed his glasses from his nose, and gave the other man a direct stare. "I assume you have something to tell me about this young woman I happened to find in my fire earlier?" His eyes narrowed slightly, "A muggle.. no less."
Severus's mouth twitched in his effort to control his anger. "Her name is Jessica Wheeler. I met her in London. She and I are.. "He paused before stating the obvious. "We are lovers."
Albus's eyes brightened at Severus's admission and he allowed himself a chuckle. "A bit more than mere lovers by the looks of it, my son. I thought I heard some thing about a child?"
"She is pregnant, Albus."
"Yours?"
"Of course!"
"No room for doubt?"
"None."
Albus nodded, secretly pleased by this turn of events. He had suspected that the surly professor had finally found someone, but he had no idea of whom, or what she was. He shook his head. A muggle, this could cause some problems for him in the future when news of his ladylove's identity leaked out. Albus's leant back into his chair steepling his fingers under his chin. "What are your intentions with this woman and child?"
"I 'intend' to marry her and raise my own child, Albus."
"In which world, Severus, by the looks of it, I don't think she is strong enough to live in our world, are you strong enough to live in hers?"
"I will do what I have to, Albus. I will not be without her, not again."
"I see." Albus frowned and leaned forward. "Perhaps she will surprise us all. Let's wait and see."
"Until then?"
"She may stay, for now. Until we decide what to do with her and the baby."
Severus clenched his teeth. "There is something else.. Malfoy knows about her."
"That makes things a bit more difficult. I take it he know about the baby as well?"
"Yes."
Albus leaned back into his chair again, not pleased with this turn of events. He could have kept it secret within these walls but if Malfoy Senior knew, then this could get much, much worse before it gets better. This was going to get tricky. "That may be a problem."
"That is an understatement if I ever heard one, Albus." Severus agreed. "He did give me an ultimatum, either rejoin with the newly reformed deatheaters, or risk Jessica and my child's life."
"What did you tell him?"
"I agreed, what else could I have done?"
The older man nodded in agreement, his eyes clouding over in thought. "You did what you had to, Severus. I wouldn't have expected anything else from you. We shall find a way to protect her and your child, Severus. As long as they are within these walls, no one can harm them."
"Thank you, Sir."
Severus seemed to sink more into the chair in relief, which caused the Headmaster to grin. It wasn't like he would willingly hand over the young man's love without a second thought. It took the young man way to many years to find someone to love and it wasn't up to him to take it away.
"Where did you leave Miss Wheeler?"
"She is sleeping in my quarters."
"Do you think that is wise?"
"I don't think I should be parted from her, Albus, She's been through a lot in the last few weeks."
Albus grinned inwardly yet he had to play the protector of the morality to the student body. "I'm thinking of the students, Severus."
"And I'm thinking of the health of the woman I love and my future child, Albus."
"Touché." Albus leaned forward with a smile. "However, be it as it may, I can not have a male teacher living with an unmarried woman, Severus. The students wouldn't understand nor will the governors. Which I believe that our Mr. Malfoy still sits on?" He leaned forward placing his palms flat down on the desk, his eyes narrowing with his grin. "Perhaps now would be a good time for that.. wedding?"
"So, you are now approving of our.. union?"
"I am approving of it yes, I just want to see you happy, my son, and if she is the one to do it, then I give you both my blessing. My only concern has been for your family's safety."
Severus rose from his chair. "Thank you, Albus. Your blessing means everything to me." His voice shook slightly with emotion, which the elder man caught.
"And your happiness means everything to me, Severus. You are as close to a son as I have came." He was pleased to see the smile that crossed the younger man's face, if even for a moment.
Severus seemed to think for a moment the quickly leaned forward and enveloped the elder man in an awkward hug before quickly moving back out of reach. "As far as I am concerned, you are my father."
Albus's eyes watered as the other man turned to the door.
"Blessed be, my son, and may the Gods smile on you and your new family."
"Blessed be, Albus, and thank you, for everything." With that, Severus walked out of the door leaving an emotional man behind the great wooden door.
Albus threw some powder into the fire and called out. "Minerva? Can you come to my office? There is a matter we have to discuss."
"Now? I'm quite busy at the moment." Came the female voice on the other side.
"It's about a wedding, my dear." He chuckled at the silence knowing her love of a good ceremony.
"I'll be right there." The other voice replied before disconnecting.
~~~
A/Ns and Acknowledgements:
Magdellin: Thanks hon.
Emma-Kitty: I told you that they would get together, it was just a matter of time. I'm glad that you liked the chapter.
Gemini Personality: Lucius, ugh! I had to use him, had to have a believable bad guy. And he's perfect.
AnnabelleElizabeth: thank you, I feel much better. Things will get a bit interesting now, please keep reading.
Allison-Nicole: Yep he does.
someone28: LOL, There is always something, isn't there?
J.S. Sumner: Severus will deal with Lucius in upcoming chapters don't worry about that. In this chapter, you see Dumbledore's reaction to the happy couple and I hope it is believable. I don't write Dumbledore to easily, I just can't get that twinkle going in his eyes. LOL. Filch and Jess? Ugh.no.I'm sure she will get a proper job within the school that will use her abilities. Perhaps a music teacher? 'Grins'
spaz141: LOL. I cant help the pregnancy thing. I am a 40-year-old motherless woman so I have to live vicariously through these characters. The idea of pregnancy intrigues me but the actual act terrifies me. Ugh! No thank you! Now, as for your screaming tendency. Woo hoo.means I'm doing my job. Thanks!
Sarah Sparrow: Aw, thank you so much. I love that I can make you feel that way. The revenge will be sweet and just.
Redsugg: I corrected that one, thanks for pointing it out. I appreciate it.and a new 'Secrets' is up.
Barrie: no donut? Not even for posting? 'sniff'
Talene: Will do, here you go!
Glinda Trisstt: LOL, I'm glad you are enjoying this fic. There are more interesting things upcoming, keep reading.
Aprilgrey: 'salaam back' You know, you really need to show me those steps. Thanks!
Seraphina: I didn't want a simple revelation. I wanted it to be a bit dramatic when he discovered her pregnancy. But as you can see, he's accepted it quite easily enough.
Kate: Severus will deal with Lucius in his own way. And it will be good. He wont allow his family to come to harm. Thank you.
Ladydeathfaerie: Evil? Me? Nahhhhhhhhh. I leave that up to you dearheart. Now, about discipline I think he should get a visit from your Hermione dominatrix. That would be perfect. LOL
~~~
Thank you all so much for your comments. They are very helpful. Please don't forget to review!
Blessed Be!
RWH